Taiwan faces a growing energy security crisis that threatens its national defense. Despite investing heavily in military strength and digital resilience, the island still depends on imported energy. In 2024, nearly 96% of Taiwan’s energy came from abroad. This reliance creates huge risks if China blocks supply routes.
This threat has reignited debate over Taiwan’s nuclear future. On August 23, voters will decide whether to restart the Maanshan nuclear plant. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) shut the plant down in May 2025 under its “nuclear-free homeland” policy. Supporters say Maanshan would provide steady, low-carbon power and boost national security. Critics worry about accidents, wartime attacks, and fuel import dependence. Polls show about two-thirds of the public support reopening the plant.
The nuclear debate divides political parties. The ruling DPP opposes the restart. The Taiwan People’s Party and Kuomintang support it, criticizing the DPP’s renewable energy strategy as costly and ineffective. Under Taiwan’s Referendum Act, the restart will pass if “agree” votes outnumber “disagree” votes and reach a quarter of eligible voters. If voters reject it, the government cannot revisit the issue for two years.
Taiwan’s energy system exposes several vulnerabilities. The island relies heavily on imported fossil fuels—mainly coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG)—shipped by sea. A blockade could cut off these supplies quickly. Taiwan’s coal reserves last about six weeks, but LNG supplies would run out in just over a week. Simulations show blocking a few LNG shipments could cripple the island.
Taiwan’s centralized power grid increases risk. Most electricity generates in the south but powers the north, making key transmission lines critical targets. Sabotage or strikes could cause island-wide blackouts, disrupting civilian life and military operations. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s AI and semiconductor industries increase energy demand. TSMC alone uses roughly 9% of the island’s electricity. The Ministry of Economic Affairs projects a 13% rise in energy use by 2030.
Nuclear power offers advantages over renewables by providing consistent energy output. Renewables depend on weather and connect wirelessly, which makes them vulnerable during conflicts. However, nuclear plants could become war targets, and Taiwan must still import nuclear fuel. Ukraine’s experience with nuclear plants during wartime highlights these risks.
Restarting Maanshan alone won’t solve Taiwan’s energy security crisis. The government must adopt a broader strategy: diversify energy sources, strengthen the grid, boost reserves, and improve cybersecurity. Recent budget cuts to the state power company may weaken these efforts. Restarting nuclear power could also divert funds from renewable development. Taiwan aims to produce 30% of its power from renewables by 2030 but already missed its 2025 target.
On the geopolitical front, importing more LNG from the US might reduce trade imbalances but deepen Taiwan’s import dependence. Taiwan is decentralizing power grids to limit blackout risks. It also expands offshore wind farms to boost energy resilience and international cooperation despite Chinese threats.
Ultimately, Taiwan’s energy security crisis demands urgent action. The island’s critical role in global tech supply chains and rising energy demands require a comprehensive plan that matches its strategic importance.
